Thermal cup

ABSTRACT

A disposable thermal cup containing a substance for consumption or dispensing which has the look and feel of a traditional cup or mug and which can be chilled or heated by microwave.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/230,708, filed Jun. 12, 2015, and entitled “Hot/Cold Cup”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Description of the Related Art

There are many options available to the user/consumer for the preparation and dispensing or consumption of substances beverages and other liquids that can be consumed either hot and/or cold, such as coffee, for example, and which are stored at ambient temperatures and/or chilled or refrigerated. These options include the preparation of the beverage at home or in the workplace and require special equipment/appliances, the beverage contents and a substantial amount of time for the preparation (of the beverage) and possibly the clean-up of the appliances and serving utensils. In the alternative, the consumer can make an inconvenient and time-consuming trip to a specialty retailer.

When the user prepares these at home, there is also the issue of where the substance, (e.g. coffee) will be dispensed or consumed. If it is to go or be consumed while traveling, then there are additional concerns such as spillage, ease of consumption while driving, for example.

What is needed is a product which the consumer can easily obtain; wherein the beverage has been prepared and is included; which can be easily stored or refrigerated; which can be prepared quickly using appliances already on hand such as a microwave oven or refrigerator; which is disposable; and which has the look, feel, comfort and convenience of a traditional cup or mug.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A disposable thermal cup for dispensing a substance, the cup comprising: a body having the substance contained therein, the body having an open rim, a closed base and a handle; a seal for protecting the substance prior to dispensing; a dispenser to dispense the substance; and wherein, the cup body with the substance therein, may be cooled or heated by microwave.

The cup as described above wherein the rim is the dispenser.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is disposed on the body of the cup.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is a spout.

The cup as described above wherein the seal may be accessed and opened through the spout.

The cup as described above wherein the base has a downward extension there from for insertion of the cup into cup holders.

The cup as described above further comprising: a cover removably coupled to the body.

The cup as described above further comprising: a cover coupled to the body; and wherein the seal may be accessed and opened through the cover.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is disposed on the cover.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is a spout.

The cup as described above wherein the seal is a cover coupled to the rim of the body and wherein the cover may be opened or punctured for access to the substance in the body.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is disposed on the cover.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is a spout.

A disposable thermal cup for dispensing a substance, the cup comprising: a body having the substance contained therein, the body having an open rim, a closed base and a handle; a seal for protecting the substance prior to dispensing; a dispenser to dispense the substance; a cover coupled to the body of the cup; and wherein, the cup body with the substance therein, may be cooled or heated by microwave.

The cup as described above wherein the seal is affixed to the rim of body of the cup and the cover is removable allowing access to the seal.

The cup as described above wherein the rim is the dispenser.

The cup as described above wherein the cover is not removable, the dispenser is a spout on the cover, and the seal may be accessed and opened through the cover.

The cup as described above further comprising: a downward extension from the base for insertion of the cup into cup holders, and wherein the dispenser is coupled to the cover.

A disposable thermal cup for dispensing a substance, the cup comprising: a body having the substance contained therein, the body having an open rim, a closed base, and a handle and wherein the base can be inserted into a cup holder; a seal for protecting the substance prior to dispensing; a cover coupled to the body of the cup, the cover having a dispenser for the substance; and wherein, the cup body with the substance therein, may be cooled or heated by microwave.

The cup as described above wherein the dispenser is a spout with access to the seal there through.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional illustration of a sealed thermal cup.

FIG. 2 is a functional, side-view diagram of an oblong or egg-like shaped thermal cup body.

FIG. 3 is a functional, side view diagram of another thermal cup or mug body.

FIG. 4 is a functional, side view diagram of another thermal cup or mug body.

FIG. 5 is a functional, side view diagram of another thermal cup or mug body with downward extension for insertion into a cup holder.

FIG. 6A is a top view of a cover for the thermal cup.

FIG. 6B is a horizontally-rotated side view of the cover for the thermal cup depicted in FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a three-dimensional illustration of a sealed thermal cup 100 is depicted. The sealed thermal cup includes a cup body 101. The body 101 is preferably economically fabricated from a substance such as plastic: of sufficient density to give the body 101 the feel of a traditional cup or mug; which is both microwavable and can be chilled; and which is disposable. It will be appreciated that a plurality of materials may be used to fabricate the cup body 101 within in the scope of the present invention. The shape of the cup body 101 is one which has the look of a traditional cup or mug. In FIG. 1, the shape of the cup body 101 is that of a traditional coffee cup. As will be explained hereafter, a plurality of different body 101 shapes may be used within the scope of the present invention.

The cup body 101 includes an open rim 102 and a closed base 103 which form a cavity into which the substance to be consumed or dispensed is added. The cup body 101 also includes a handle 104 for use by a user when consuming or dispensing the substance in the cup body 101.

Preferably, the handle 104 is made out of the same material as the cup body 101 and at the same time such that, for example, the body 101, including the handle 104, are made as a single item when manufactured. The handle 104 is also designed to give the cup 100 the look and feel of a traditional cup or mug. It will be appreciated, however, that the handle 104 may, within the scope of the present invention, be made from a different material than the cup body 101 and/or may be secured to the cup body 101 in a separate step by a plurality of different methods. It will also be appreciated that there are plurality of different shapes for the handle 104 may be used within the scope of the present invention.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the thermal cup 100 is also depicted with a seal 105 coupled or secured to the rim 102, after the substance to be consumed or dispensed has been added into the cup body 101. Also depicted in FIG. 1 is a seal tab 106 with which the user can easily remove the seal 105 from cup body 101. The seal 105 is preferably comprised of a light material which may or may not be microwavable. The seal may be secured to the cup body 101 in a variety different ways including, but not limited to, an adhesive. The seal 105 is used to protect the substance within the cup body 101 from contamination, staleness, etc. It will also be appreciated that a plurality of different mechanisms besides the seal tab 106 may be employed for opening the seal 105.

An objective of the thermal cup 100 is user convenience. The thermal cup 100, with a substance to consumed or dispensed in the cup body 101, can be made available to the user in a variety of different ways, including, but not limited to, purchase at a retail outlet or on-line with shipping. If, for example, the user has obtained the thermal cup 100 with coffee as the substance to be consumed or dispensed, whenever he/she wishes a cup of coffee, he/she can take a thermal cup 100 (with coffee) from where it is stored, remove the seal 105, microwave the thermal cup 100 for a short time, and then enjoy the coffee in the traditional manner. There is no preparation needed, no brewing devices needed to prepare or brew the coffee and no clean-up of the brewing device or of the thermal cup 100 as it is disposable. If the seal 105 is made of microwavable material, then the seal may be removed, in whole or in part, after the microwaving. In such cases, it is preferable that the seal be easily punctured or otherwise partially opened for air prior to the microwaving.

In the example used above, coffee is the substance being consumed or dispensed. It will be appreciated however, that the thermal cup 100 can be used for consumption or dispensing of a plurality of substances such as tea, cocoa, sauces, drinks, juices, soups, and other liquids as well as solid substances such as, for example, condiments.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the rim 102 acts as a dispenser for the substance, e.g. coffee, in the cup body 101 in the traditional manner of a cup. It will be appreciated however, the cup body may be made with a plurality of different dispensing mechanisms or dispensers such as a spout disposed on the rim of the cup body 101 or elsewhere on the cup body and as part of other devices such as, for example, a cup cover, for the thermal cup 100. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the seal may be made accessible for opening through the spout.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 4, functional, side view diagrams of some alternative examples for the shape of the cup body 101 of the thermal cup 100 of FIG. 1 are depicted. In FIG. 2, a thermal cup 200 with an oblong or egg-like shaped cup body 201 is depicted. More specifically, the middle of the cup body 201 is wider than the open rim 202 or the closed base 203. In FIG. 3, the thermal cup 300 is depicted with a mug-shaped cup body 301. More specifically, the open rim 302 is wider than the closed base 303. In FIG. 4, the thermal cup 400 is depicted with another mug-shaped cup body 401. More specifically, the closed base 403 is wider than the open rim 302. In each of FIGS. 2 through 4, a handle, 204, 304 and 404 respectively, of the cup body, 201, 301 and 401 respectively, are depicted in functional form.

Referring now to FIG. 5, another alternative for a thermal cup body 501 is depicted. The cup 501 has an open rim 502, a closed base 503 and a handle 504. Also, depicted in FIG. 5, is downward extension 507 of the cup body 501. The downward extension 507 is for insertion into a cup holder such as those found in automobiles to more easily enable the user to consume the substance in the cup body 501 while traveling; e.g. drink his/her coffee while driving to work.

The downward extension 507 of the cup body 501 is preferably made from the same material as the rest of the cup body 501 and at the same time. The downward extension 507 may be solid or hollow or any combination thereof.

Still referring to FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that the functionality of downward extension 507 may be achieved in other ways. For example, the base 503 of thermal cup body 501 could be designed such that it will fit into a cup holder and thus eliminate the need for a separate downward extension 507. Alternatively, a separate adaptor device can be made with an extension that fits into the cup holder and a body that accepts the base 503 of the cup body 501. For this separate adaptor example, a much wider variety of materials can be used including materials that are not microwavable. Moreover, the adaptor need not be disposable.

Referring now to FIGS. 6A and 6B a top view and a horizontally-rotated side view, respectively, of a cover 610 for the thermal cup 100 is depicted. The function for the cover is to enhance mobility or transportability of the thermal cup with the substance therein and reduce spillage and accidents. The cover 610 can also be used to provide some thermal insulation for a chilled or heated substance in the thermal cup body (e.g. cup body 101).

The cover 610 is made to snap on to the rim 102 of cup body 101 and may be made from any suitable material such as plastic. The cover 610 may or may not be microwavable and is preferably thinner or less dense than the cup body 101. It will be appreciated that many different forms of covers may be used within the scope of the present invention such as, for example, a screw on cover.

Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the cover 610 has a trapezoidal appearance with the upper/inner diameter 612 being smaller than the lower/outer diameter 611. This design adds structural integrity to the cover. The cover 610 has a dispenser or spout 613 formed by creating an opening in the cover material. The cover has another optional opening 614 to enhance air flow when the substance is being dispensed or consumed. This opening 614 can also be used for insertion of a straw, for example, to consume or dispense certain substances. If the opening 614 is not present, a straw could be inserted through the spout 613 for such substances. The cover 610 has an optional center strip 615 formed thereon. This center strip may be elevated or depressed. In either case, the center strip 615 will add further structural integrity to the cover. This center strip 615 may also be used for advertising.

In operation, the cover 610, is removed from the rim 102 of the cup body 101 and the seal 105 is opened or removed. If the substance is to be heated before dispensing, then the cup with the contents, e.g. coffee in the thermal cup 100 is then heated, e.g. micro-waved. If the substance is to be dispensed chilled or at room temperature, this heating step is omitted. The user then snaps on or secures the cover 610 to the rim 102 of the cup body 101 and positions the spout 613 as desired for dispensing. Alternatively, the user may use the air hole 615 for the dispensing with a straw, for example. When the user is finished, the thermal cup and the cover 610 are disposed.

It will be understood that the cover 610 may be of any one of a plurality of designs within the scope of the invention and that the contents of the cup body 101 may be consumed or dispensed with or without the use of the cover 610. In one such alternative, the cover 610 may be a screw-on (to the rim 102 of the cup body 101).

In yet another alternative design for the cover 610, the cover 610 may be permanently affixed to the rim 102 of the cup body 101 after the substance has been added and the thermal cup 100 sealed. In this instance both the cover 110 and the seal 105 would be made of microwavable material and the seal tab 106 would not needed. Additionally, the seal could be opened or pierced by any number of means, including, but not limited to, by puncturing it (the seal 105) through the cover spout 613 and/or the optional cover hole 614.

In yet another alternative design for the cover 610, the cover 610 may be permanently affixed to the rim 102 of the cup body 101 after the substance has been added to the cup body 101. In this design, the cover 610 would become the seal (eliminating the need for a separate seal 105 and seal tab 106 as shown in FIG. 1). In this instance, the cover 110 would be made of microwavable material. Additionally, the spout 613 and/or optional air hole 614 could, for example, be perforations and formed or opened at the appropriate time by the user.

Still referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, it will be appreciated that the dispenser spout 613 may be of a variety of designs and shapes. In all of the various embodiments and alternatives of the present invention, the thermal cup 100 and the cover 610 are disposable after use by the user and the thermal cup 100 retains the look and feel of a traditional cup or mug. Additionally, the thermal cup 100 and the cover may have printing, embossing, graphics and information formed thereon or affixed thereto.

Thus, the present invention has been described herein with reference to particular embodiments for particular applications. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the present teachings will recognize additional modifications, applications, and embodiments within the scope thereof.

It is, therefore, intended by the appended claims to cover any and all such applications, modifications, and embodiments within the scope of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable thermal cup for dispensing a substance, the cup comprising: a body having the substance contained therein, the body having an open rim, a closed base and a handle; a seal for protecting the substance prior to dispensing; a dispenser to dispense the substance; and wherein, the cup body with the substance therein, may be cooled or heated by microwave.
 2. The cup of claim 1 wherein the rim is the dispenser.
 3. The cup of claim 1 wherein the dispenser is disposed on the body of the cup.
 4. The cup of claim 3 wherein the dispenser is a spout.
 5. The cup of claim 4 wherein the seal may be accessed and opened through the spout.
 6. The cup of claim 1 wherein the base has a downward extension there from for insertion of the cup into cup holders.
 7. The cup of claim 1 further comprising: a cover removably coupled to the body.
 8. The cup of claim 1 further comprising: a cover coupled to the body; and wherein the seal may be accessed and opened through the cover.
 9. The cup of claim 8 wherein the dispenser is disposed on the cover.
 10. The cup of claim 9 wherein the dispenser is a spout.
 11. The cup of claim 1 wherein the seal is a cover coupled to the rim of the body and wherein the cover may be opened or punctured for access to the substance in the body.
 12. The cup of claim 11 wherein the dispenser is disposed on the cover.
 13. The cup of claim 12 wherein the dispenser is a spout.
 14. A disposable thermal cup for dispensing a substance, the cup comprising: a body having the substance contained therein, the body having an open rim, a closed base and a handle; a seal for protecting the substance prior to dispensing; a dispenser to dispense the substance; a cover coupled to the body of the cup; and wherein, the cup body with the substance therein, may be cooled or heated by microwave.
 15. The cup of claim 14 wherein the seal is affixed to the rim of body of the cup and the cover is removable allowing access to the seal.
 16. The cup of claim 15 wherein the rim is the dispenser.
 17. The cup of claim 14 wherein the cover is not removable, the dispenser is a spout on the cover, and the seal may be accessed and opened through the cover.
 18. The cup of claim 14 further comprising: a downward extension from the base for insertion of the cup into cup holders, and wherein the dispenser is coupled to the cover.
 19. A disposable thermal cup for dispensing a substance, the cup comprising: a body having the substance contained therein, the body having an open rim, a closed base, and a handle and wherein the base can be inserted into a cup holder; a seal for protecting the substance prior to dispensing; a cover coupled to the body of the cup, the cover having a dispenser for the substance; and wherein, the cup body with the substance therein, may be cooled or heated by microwave.
 20. The cup of claim 19 wherein the dispenser is a spout with access to the seal there through. 